Global Emergency Alerts

FIRE-EARTH Bulletins are available from Beacons on request.
We do NOT operate Facebook or Twitter accounts. Our user names including "FEWW" have been hijacked by Internet trolls.

Injury Claims Against Google: Fire-Earth posts important news & unique analysis that could help save you from harm, but Google filters the blog to protect their vast business interest. If you incur any injury or loss due to the denial of information, you may sue the Internet Mafia for damages.

STOP CENSORING THE REAL NEWS

WordPress is HACKING this blog!

WordPress continues hacking FIRE-EARTH, affiliated blogs at the behest of its corporate clients.

Blog Moderators condemn in the strongest terms the blatant removal and manipulation of content.

How Many Volcanoes Firing?

New eruptions, ongoing activity, unrest and abnormalities reported in at least 66 volcanoes globally over the last seven days…

Latest Global Volcanic Activity

Awu Sangihe Islands (Indonesia)

Etna Sicily (Italy)

Fuego (Guatemala)

Ruapehu North Island (New Zealand)

Santa Maria – Santiaguito Dome Complex (Guatemala)

Sinabung – North Sumatra (Indonesia)

Map of Volcanoes. Background Map: University of Michigan. Designed and enhanced by Fire Earth Blog. Click image to enlarge.

Cleveland Volcano

Landsat-8 data from 15 May 2015 at 22:17 UTC (2:17 PM AKDT) show robust steaming and high temperatures in Cleveland Volcano’s summit crater (in the shortwave IR), indicating continued unrest. The high-temperature feature is visible in this image as a red pixel. Robust steaming observed extending to the west and seen as a shadow on the lower meteorological cloud deck. Shortwave IR has very little reflectance from snow, which is why Cleveland appears blue. Photographer/Creator: D. Schneider – URL: http://www.avo.alaska.edu/images/image.php?id=95451

Landsat-8 true color composite from Cleveland Volcano,15 May 2016, 22:17 UTC (2:17 pm AKDT), sharpened with panchromatic data. Robust steaming observed extending to the west and seen as a shadow on the lower meteorological cloud deck. Photographer/Creator: D. Schneider http://www.avo.alaska.edu/images/image.php?id=95461

Ongoing Activity

Aira Kyushu (Japan)

Alaid Kuril Islands (Russia)

Chirpoi Kuril Islands (Russia)

Cleveland Chuginadak Island (USA)

Colima Mexico

Cotopaxi Ecuador

Dukono Halmahera (Indonesia)

Kilauea Hawaiian Islands (USA)

Klyuchevskoy C. Kamchatka (Russia)

Kuchinoerabujima Kyushu (Japan)

Langila New Britian (PNG)

Masaya Nicaragua

Nevado del Ruiz Colombia

Pavlof Alaska (USA)

Sangay Ecuador

Sheveluch C. Kamchatka (Russia)

Sinabung Indonesia

Telica Nicaragua

Turrialba Costa Rica

Current Status of Indonesian Volcanoes [Badan Geologi]

Orange Alerts

Nishinoshima Japan region

Fukutoku-Oka-no-Ba Japan region

Sakurajima Kyushu (Japan)

Yellow Alerts

Asamayama Japan

Aso Kyushu (Japan)

Bezymianny Kamchatka (Russia)

Copahue Chile

Karymsky Kamchatka (Russia)

Kirishimayama (Shinmoedake) Kyushu (Japan)

Kusatsu-Shirane Japan

Mauna Loa Hawaii

Ontake Japan

Planchón-Peteroa Volcanic Complex Chile

Snow Kuril Islands (Russia)

Zhupanovsky Kamchatka (Russia)

Abnormalities Observed

Bulusan Philippines

Kanlaon Philippines

Taal Philippines

MAUNA LOA: The largest active volcano on Earth!

HVO Weekly Update: Thursday, May 19, 2016 20:47 UTC – Seismicity remains elevated above the long-term background level, but no significant changes were recorded over the past week. Deformation related to inflation of a magma reservoir beneath the summit and upper Southwest Rift Zone continues, with inflation recently occurring mainly in the southwestern part of the magma storage complex.

Bulusan Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded three (3) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Weak emission of white steam plumes that crept downslope towards southwest was observed coming from the active vents. Precise leveling survey results from April 27 to May 5, 2016 indicated slight deflationary changes of the edifice relative to February 2016, consistent with the measurements from continuous GPS data as of 30 April 2016.

Alert Level 1 (abnormal) remains in effect over Bulusan Volcano. This indicates that hydrothermal processes are underway beneath the volcano that may lead to steam-driven eruptions. The local government units and the public are reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as ash from any sudden phreatic eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. Furthermore, people living within valleys and along river or stream channels especially on the southwest and northwest sector of the edifice should be vigilant against sediment-laden stream flows and lahars in the event of heavy and prolonged rainfall. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Bulusan Volcano’s condition and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.

KANLAON VOLCANO BULLETIN 22 May 2016 8:00 A.M. [PHIVOLCS]

Kanlaon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded one (1) volcanic earthquake during the past 24 hours. Moderate emission of white steam plumes that rose up to 300 meters and drifted southwest and northwest was observed. Ground deformation measurements from continuous GPS data as of 30 April 2016 indicated slight inflation of the Kanlaon edifice since December 2015.

Alert Level 1 status remains in effect over Kanlaon Volcano, which means that it is currently in a state of unrest probably driven by hydrothermal processes that could generate more minor eruptions. The local government units and the public are reminded that entry into the 4-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to the further possibilities of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or minor ash eruptions. Civil aviation authorities must also advise pilots to avoid flying close to the volcano’s summit as airborne ash from a sudden eruption can be hazardous to aircraft. DOST-PHIVOLCS is closely monitoring Kanlaon Volcano’s activity and any new development will be relayed to all concerned.

TAAL VOLCANO BULLETIN 22 May 2016 8:00 A.M. [PHIVOLCS]

Taal Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded two (2) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Field measurements conducted on 19 May 2016 at the western sector of the Main Crater Lake yielded a slight increase in water temperature from 32.9°C to 33.0°C, a decrease in water level from 0.19 meter to 0.18 meter, and an increase in water acidity from pH 3.03 to 2.73. Precise leveling survey results from 28 March to 8 April 2016 indicated slight deflation of the edifice compared to November 2015 survey. Results from continuous GPS data as of 30 April 2016 showed deflationary trend since January 2016, however the edifice remains inflated relative to the 2014 baseline level.

Alert Level 1 remains in effect over Taal Volcano. This means that hazardous eruption is not imminent. The public, however, is reminded that the Main Crater should be strictly off-limits because sudden steam explosions may occur and high concentrations of toxic gases may accumulate. The northern portion of the Main Crater rim, in the vicinity of Daang Kastila Trail, may also become hazardous when steam emission along existing fissures suddenly increases. Furthermore, the public is also reminded that the entire Volcano Island is a Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ), and permanent settlement in the island is strongly not recommended.

Philippines: Drought and dry spells [OCHA]

Some 42 per cent of the Philippines is currently experiencing drought or dry spells brought on by El Niño effect. As of 15 April, 39 provinces, cities, municipalities and villages have declared a state of calamity. The worst affected areas are Mindanao and the Visayas regions. According to UN OCHA, around 181,687 farmers and 224,834 hectares of agricultural land have been affected since January 2016. Already, an estimated CHF 81 million in agricultural production has been lost. Rainfall for March was again well below normal.

Most of the affected areas are in Mindanao. According to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD), as of April 16, a total of 457,497 families or 2,124,790 persons from Regions NCR, I, II, III, IV-A, IV-B, VI, VII, X, XI, XII, and ARMM have been affected by El Nino.

Global Disasters/ Significant Events – April 25, 2016

An estimated 3.5 million people have been affected by climatic events, including El Niño, across the Philippines, according to the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD).

As of April 20, DSWD released US$14.8 million for food assistance and cash-for-work programs, officials said.

Japan

Following the two powerful earthquakes that struck Kumamoto Prefecture on April 14 and 16, an estimated 60,000 people remain in more than 600 evacuation shelters. “The Government has secured apartment units for 8,350 households as temporary accommodation,” said UNOCHA.

The official toll stands at 48 fatalities and more than 1,400 injuries.

Timor Leste

An estimated 120,000 people are in need of water, food sanitation, health, and education support across five municipalities of Lautém, Viqueque, Baucau, Covalima and Oecusse, which have been severely impacted by El Niño-induced drought, said UNOCHA.

Myanmar

High winds, hail and torrential rains have buffeted more than 40 townships across Mandalay and Sagaing regions and Shan, Kachin and Chin states in Myanmar. Destroying or damaging thousands of houses damaged. “As of 25 April, authorities confirmed 14 deaths and 18 people injured due to the severe weather conditions – these figures are expected to change as more information becomes available. In Kachin, strong winds destroyed internally displaced persons (IDP) shelter and camp structures.” [UNOCHA]

“On 16 and 19 April, fighting reportedly broke out between the military and an armed group identified as part of the Arakan Army in Kyautaw and Rathedaung townships, Rakhine State. Village authorities confirmed that about 80 households (380 people) were displaced. Local authorities and the military provided rice and basic health care services to the displaced people.”

Meanwhile, Tropical Depression TWENTYNINE [locally called “ONYOK” ] moved closer to the archipelago, headed toward the southern island of Mindanao, and forecast to bring heavy rain to the country.

Floodwaters of up to 100cm deep still covered farming regions about an hour’s drive north of Manila, and were expected to rise to as high as 150cm (5 feet), as waters from other parts of the main island of Luzon flowed into the floodplain, a disaster management officer told AFP.

Recent Deadly Typhoons in the Philippines

Typhoon KOPPU slammed northern Philippines in October this year killing at least 54 people and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.

Typhoon HAGUPIT [locally known as “Ruby,”] which was the second most intense tropical cyclone in 2014, triggered severe floods and landslides causing substantial damage to the central regions and killing 53 people.

In 2013, Super Typhoon HAIYAN [“Yolanda,”] the strongest storm recorded at landfall, wiped out entire communities and left up to 8,000 people dead or missing.

Typhoon BOPHA left about 2,000 dead or missing across Mindanao in 2012.

Tropical Storm WASHI killed at least 1,200 across Mindanao in December 2011. then

MELOR continues to cause havoc across central Philippines

The entire province of Albay (pop:1.2 million) was placed under a “state of imminent disaster” on Monday as Typhoon MELOR [locally known as “NONA] threatened the archipelago country.

About 725,000 people (161,000+ families) in the central Philippines fled to safer areas, as MELOR threatened to dump up to 300mm of rain, cause large storm surges of up to 4 meters, unleash flash floods and landslides.

State weather bureau PAGASA said: “Estimated rainfall amount is from heavy to at times intense within the 300 km diameter of the typhoon.”

Public storm warning signals were issued for dozens of areas across central Philippines.

The typhoon was forecast to cross Burias Island Late Monday, and pass over Mindoro provinces on Tuesday, PAGASA said.

MELOR is expected to exit landmass by late Tuesday and leave the Philippine area of responsibility by Friday.

Schools were ordered shut across 11 provinces, three municipalities and five cities, said the national disaster management council (NDRRMC).

The typhoon knocked out power in at lest three large areas: Eastern samar, Northen Samar and Sorsogon, said NDRRMC.

Recent Deadly Typhoons in the Philippines

Typhoon KOPPU slammed northern Philippines in October killing at least 54 people and forcing tens of thousands to flee their homes.

Typhoon HAGUPIT [locally known as “Ruby,”] which was the second most intense tropical cyclone in 2014, triggered severe floods and landslides causing substantial damage to the central regions and killing 53 people.

In 2013, Super Typhoon HAIYAN [“Yolanda,”] the strongest storm recorded at landfall, wiped out entire communities and left up to 8,000 people dead or missing.

MELOR could become a super typhoon

MELOR is currently packing sustained winds of about 230 km/hr and could become a super typhoon as it continue strengthen within the next 8 hours, with winds of about 260 km/hr (max. gusts of 320 km/hr).

The typhoon is expected to bring torrential rains of about 30cm to areas within a 300-km of its diameter.

MELOR is headed toward Philippines ground zero the area devastated by HAIYN, which killed more than 6,300 people and left about 1.5 million homeless, in November 2013.

Heavy rainfall and flash flooding affecting parts of East Coast

Hurricane JOAQUIN a double whammy regardless of track

Many parts of the eastern U.S. are currently experiencing heavy rains and gusty winds associated with a frontal system. These rainstorms could continue for the next few days, even if the center of Hurricane JOAQUIN stays offshore. The resulting inland flood potential could complicate preparations for JOAQUIN, specially if heads toward the coast, where even more substantial inland flooding could occur. —NOAA

At 11:00 AM on 02 October 2015 the storm center was located at 16.5°N, 119.6°E about 95 km Northwest of Dagupan City, Pangasinan. The storm was headed toward West Philippine Sea.

Japan

Powerful rainstorms with typhoon-strength winds, generated by a broad low pressure system, pumelled most of Japan overnight, causing major diruptions in transportation and forcing flight and train cancellations.

Strong gusts and heavy rain from the system are forecast to continue until Friday afternoon, said the local forecasters.

Millions of people in 18 provinces of Mindanao suffering chronic food insecurity: Report

About three quarters of the population analyzed in 18 of Mindanao provinces, or an estimated 12.6 million people, are suffering from chronic food insecurity, according to a UN report using the IPC standardized scale.

Typhoon NOUL [“DODONG”] is expected to make landfall over Sta. Ana Pt., Cagayan this afternoon or early evening (local time), May 10, and will exit the Philippines Area of Responsibility (PAR) by Tuesday morning, May 12.

Residents in low lying and mountainous areas of the provinces with Public Storm Warning Signals are alerted against possible flashfloods and landslides.

Storm surges of up to 1.5 meters are possible over the eastern coast of Isabela and Cagayan.

Bulusan volcano spewing ash, typhoon NOUL dumping heavy rain

The Bulusan volcano (12.7667°N, 124.0500°E), restive for eight days, has been spewing out steam and ash in central Sorsogon province, Philippines.

At 9:46 PM on May 6, 2015, Bulusan Volcano (12.7667°N, 124.0500°E) in Sorsogon Province generated a steam-driven explosion from a vent on its northwest upper slopes that propelled an ash plume approximately 250 m high before it drifted west. The explosion event lasted 3.5 minutes based on the seismic records. Traces of ash were observed in Sitio Tulay of Brgy. Bagsangan, Cogon, Monbon, and Tinampo in Irosin, Sorsogon. This event was preceded by a similar steam-driven explosion from the same vent on May 1, 2015 that lasted 5 minutes. Such explosions are typical to Bulusan during restive periods, when its hydrothermal system is disturbed or when steam accumulates and pressurizes at the shallow levels of the volcanic edifice. Based on past records, more explosions can be expected to occur with varying intensity, duration and distribution of ash. DOST-PHIVOLCS

Meantime, major typhoon NOUL, the fourth to strike the country so far this year, is forecast to dump up to 30cm of rain along its path threatening to unleash lahar around Mt Bulusan, officials said.

NOUL Location as of 4:00pm Local Time
The typhoon (locally known as DODONG) was about 510 km East of Sorsogon City (12.9°N, 128.7°E), forecast to make landfall as a category four storm at the weekend, said the official agency PAGASA.

NOUL was packing maximum sustained winds of about 150 kp/h with maximum wind gusts of up to 185 kp/h, moving WNW at about 17km/h, according to several models.

The typhoon is dumping “heavy to intense rainfall amount” within its 300-km diameter, said PAGASA.

Typhoon NOUL – Image source: DOST/PAGASA

MT Bulusan

On Thursday, DOST-PHIVOLCS issued an Alert Level 1 for Mt Bulusan after an explosion late Wednesday, warning “hydrothermal processes may be underway beneath the volcano that may lead to more steam-driven eruptions.”

“The local government units and the public are reminded that entry to the four-kilometer radius Permanent Danger Zone (PDZ) is strictly prohibited due to the possibility of sudden and hazardous steam-driven or phreatic eruptions,” the agency said in its latest bulletin.

Mayon Volcano Status

BULLETIN 08 May 2015 8:00 A.M.

Mayon Volcano’s seismic monitoring network recorded five (5) volcanic earthquakes during the past 24 hours. Very weak to moderate emission of white steam plumes that crept downslope towards southwest was observed. The summit was visible but no crater glow was observed last night. Precise leveling surveys on April 30 – May 4, 2015 indicated slight deflation of the edifice relative to the March 2015 surveys, although the edifice remains inflated relative to baseline levels.

Mayon Volcano’s alert status is currently at Alert Level 2. This means the volcano is at a moderate level of magmatic unrest. Although the volcano is currently exhibiting low-level of seismic activity, ground deformation data indicates that eruptible magma had already accumulated the previous year beneath the edifice. Current conditions may still change and eventually lead to hazardous eruption. The public is still reminded to avoid entry into the 6-km Permanent Danger Zone or PDZ due to perennial hazards of rockfalls, avalanche, ash puffs and sudden steam-driven or phreatic eruptions at the summit area. Furthermore, people living in valleys and active river channels are cautioned to remain vigilant against sediment-laden streamflows and lahars in the event of prolonged and heavy rainfall. PHIVOLCS-DOST is closely monitoring Mayon Volcano’s activity and any new development will be immediately posted to all concerned. DOST-PHIVOLCS

State of Emergency Declared in Chuuk, FSM

Super Typhoon MAYSAK cut a swath of devastation across the central Pacific, killing at least eight people and prompting the governor to declare a state of emergency for the Micronesian state, said the FSM President Manny Mori.

MAYSAK has destroyed crops and contaminated water supplies, causing extensive damage to “schools, health facilities, public utilities, private residences”, he said, adding that the super typhoon was also responsible for “the sinking of several fishing, passenger and dive ships.”

It struck Chuuk Sunday night with sustained winds of 260 km/h before crossing the vast Federated States of Micronesia (FSM), battering the Yap group of islands on Wednesday and heading out to sea towards the Philippines, said reports.

Meantime, PAGASA said the eye of MAYSAK, now downgraded to a Cat. 4-equivalent typhoon, had been located at 11.3°N, 136.4°E, or 1,165 km east of Guiuan, Eastern Samar at 16:00 local time today. It had maximum sustained winds of 190 km/h near the center with gusts of up to 225 km/h, and was moving WNW at 20 km/h.

Iraqi Kurdistan nears breaking point

More than 1 million people internally displaced by the terrorist group ISIL, recently calling itself Islamic State (IS), in Addition to 225,000 refugees from Syria are taking a devastating economic and social toll on Iraqi Kurdistan, says IRIN.

“The population of the semi-autonomous region has grown by 28 percent in the space of 12 months, piling pressure on education and health services. With further military offensives planned against IS, there are fears that yet more people will seek safety in the region.”

“The scale of the influx has created significant competition for jobs, pushing down wages and household incomes across the board, while demand for water, electricity and waste management is outstripping supply.”

Displaced women and girls trapped in Afghanistan’s cities

Seven out of 10 displaced Afghan female say they have never attended a school. They also face “significant constraints” to health and employment opportunities, according to a new report by the Norwegian Refugee Council (NRC).

“We are imprisoned in our tents and we don’t have permission to go out. What is this sort of life worth?” says a 24 year-old woman from the Helmand province, internally displaced in Kabul and one of the respondents in the report.

“We are being sold in exchange for money like animals. Our rights are ignored; we are often sold to widowers, blind men, disabled or old men and we have no choice to refuse marrying them”, says a 23 year-old woman from the Muhammad Aghai district in the Logar province, now living in a camp for internally displaced in Kabul.

Displaced women and girls across Afghanistan cities are suffering unacceptable levels of hunger and high levels of psychological trauma, without any mental health assistance support to turn to, says the report.

Iraqi Kurdistan nears breaking point

More than 1 million people internally displaced by the terrorist group ISIL, recently calling itself Islamic State (IS), in Addition to 225,000 refugees from Syria are taking a devastating economic and social toll on Iraqi Kurdistan, says IRIN.

“The population of the semi-autonomous region has grown by 28 percent in the space of 12 months, piling pressure on education and health services. With further military offensives planned against IS, there are fears that yet more people will seek safety in the region.”

“The scale of the influx has created significant competition for jobs, pushing down wages and household incomes across the board, while demand for water, electricity and waste management is outstripping supply.”

Critical Food Insecurity in Central African Republic (CAR)

Farmers in the CAR urgently need seeds and tools for the planting season in April to prevent further deterioration of their livelihoods in the conflict-stricken country, the UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) said today.

Some 1.5 million people are currently food insecure across the country and this figure is likely to rise in the absence of immediate support. Additionally, the significant food shortages across the country could worsen, population movements could result in increased tension, the return of displaced persons and refugees to their villages could be delayed.

Refugee Crisis in Cameroon

The number of internally displaced people in the north has nearly doubled since 10 February, to 117,000, bringing the total number of displaced in Cameroon to an estimated 412,700, including 66,000 who are fleeing Boko Haram violence in Nigeria and the remainder from the Central African Republic.

More than 120,000 displaced amid fighting in southern Philippines

More than 120,000 people have fled their homes since late January after fighting broke out between government forces and armed groups in the southern Philippines island of Mindanao, reported UNHCR.

The number of displaced is expected to rise as the fighting spreads to local communities hosting the displaced, said the UN refugee agency.

An estimated 13 municipalities in Maguindanao and North Cotabato have been affected in eight weeks of clashes between the state security forces and the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters, said the report.

Some of the IDPs are sheltering in schools and public buildings, with unknown numbers staying with friends or relatives, according to UNHCR.

United States

The National Weather Service (NWS) has issued dozens of Warnings, Watches and Advisories as cold, arctic air continues to spread across the Upper Midwest and northern and central Plains through Tuesday, plunging temperatures as much as 30 degrees (F) below normal.

HAGUPIT affecting half the Philippines population of 100M

Up to a million people had already fled the coastal communities before the typhoon made its first landfall, leaving the city of Tacloban, destroyed by Typhoon HAIYAN in November 2013, and other communities looking like ghost towns, according to local reports.

HAGUPIT [known locally as RUBY] slammed into Dolores in Eastern Samar province at 9:15 p.m. local time on Saturday, with maximum sustained winds of at least 175 km/h, gusting to more than 210 km/h, according to PAGASA.

“At 8:00 AM, today [Sunday,] the eye of Typhoon “RUBY” was located based on all available data at 70 km West Northwest of Catbalogan, Samar or 85 km Southeast of Masbate City (12.0°N, 124.3°E),” reported PAGASA.

The massive typhoon, which has a diameter of about 640km, is expected to impact large portions of the country, affecting half the nation’s population of 100 million.

500,000+ Evacuated in C. Philippines as TY HAGUPIT approaches

At least 500,000 people, or more than 100,000 families, have been evacuated as Typhoon HAGUPIT, locally known as “RUBY,” continued to threaten the Philippines, according to the government.

22W is expected to slam the coast of Eastern Samar, or Northern Samar in central Philippines Saturday evening local time, said the Philippine Atmospheric, Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA),

HAGUPIT was packing maximum sustained winds of about 190 km/hr, according to FIRE-EARTH models, as of posting.

Super Typhoon 22W could cause widespread destruction in the Philippines

Typhoon 22W [aka, HAGUPIT, locally called “RUBY”] was positioned near 10.2N 133.3E, about 800km east of Surigao City , packing sustained winds of about 305 km/h, at 05.00UTC on Thursday, December 4, according to FIRE-EARTH models.

Movement and Forward Speed: WNW at about 25 km/h

Max. Wind Gusts: 370 km/h

Max. Significant Wave Heights: ~ 20m

The super typhoon is forecast to reach within 30 km northeast of Borongan, Eastern Samar and make landfall over the Samar area before noon on Saturday, according to PAGASA/DOST.

Most Probable Track of Typhoon 22W. Source: PAGASA/DOST.

Authorities have placed at least 10 provinces under Storm Signal No. 1 as of posting: